Youth representation at the highest level enables inclusive decision making.

Youth Minister Laisenia Tuitubou alluded to this in response to an oral question on Fiji’s representation at the Commonwealth Youth Forum which was held in London on the 16th to the 18th of last month.

Tuitubou explained Fiji was represented at the Commonwealth by three youth who were chosen from a comprehensive criteria which was then screened by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

“The Commonwealth Youth Forum provide an opportunity for Youth People of the Commonwealth to build cross cultural connections and networks, debate the challenges facing our young people and agree youth led initiatives to influence decision makers and ensure youth people have a voice in their future.”

Among the several supplementary questions, National Federation Party’s Leaders Professor Biman Prasad asked whether the Ministry had undertaken the work of compiling the desegregated data for unemployed youth which was one of the recommendations of the international meeting.

The Minister noted this work was underway in consultation with the Bureau of Statistics and the National Employment Centre.

Opposition MP, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua queried whether the number of representatives could be increased from three to five.

Five representatives the Minister explained was the quota prescribed by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The three youth that represented Fiji at the Commonwealth Forum were Tomasi Vakausausa, Eileen Emily Kumar and Hilda Vukinamoala.